Daily Journal Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year: Keith Braxton

When Delsea Regional High School boys’ basketball coach Tom Freeman started laying the groundwork for how his 2013-14 squad would operate, spreading the ball around among a host of talented players appeared to be the most appropriate course of action.

It became pretty clear to Freeman early in the season, however, that his plan might need to change a little bit thanks to the continuing evolution of Keith Braxton.

“He’s absolutely progressed,” Freeman said of his junior forward. “We thought he could be the No. 1 option, but we also have all these other guys that can score the basketball.

“But Keith became dominant. His ability to take the ball to the basket and finish there. He got taller, bigger, put on some weight. He improved his game, changed his shot a little bit, even though he didn’t have to shoot many jumpers for us this year.”

Braxton’s contributions didn’t stop on the offensive end.

The 6-foot-3 forward was a monster on the boards all season for the Crusaders. Braxton hauled in 25 rebounds alone in a 78-54 victory over Seneca in the first round of the Group III South playoffs on March 4.

“He’s sneaky quick, has a nose for the ball, always knows where it’s going to be,” Freeman said. “He has great instincts when it comes to reading a play.”

It’s no coincidence that Braxton’s breakout season led to Delsea winning its first South Jersey title since 1991 this year. Braxton averaged 20 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, and is The Daily Journal Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year.

“I just figured I should work on my game over the summer, improve as much as I can and take on an even bigger role this year,” Braxton said. “I thought I could lead the team, and I just used my hard work ethic and leadership to bring my team as far as I could.”

Braxton helped carry Delsea to the Group III state semifinals, where the Crusaders eventually lost to Ewing.

Braxton’s leadership qualities — both on and off the court — are one part of the junior’s game that is still coming along.

“I was more of a silent leader this year, so I have to learn to get more vocal and instruct the team more,” Braxton said. “Most of the leaders you see, even in college and the NBA, they’re more vocal and always talking, so I have to transform into one of those kind of leaders.”

It’s something that Freeman thinks could take Braxton to an even higher level.

“It’s hard to believe, but Keith is the jokester of the group,” Freeman said. “He’s the person who makes the guys laugh, whether it’s with a facial expression or dancing around in the locker room. He’s quiet when it comes to being around adults, but with the guys he keeps it light and stays focused on the court.

“It’s hard to be critical of his game, but it’s one of those things where you try to look at it and see where he can improve. We hope he takes on more of a leadership responsibility.”

If history is any indication, expect Braxton’s growth to continue. And getting a taste of what it’s like to win a title only figures to strengthen his drive moving forward.

“Being able to win the first championship in 20-something years, it was great,” Braxton said. “Doing it with the teammates I had — obviously we’re going to lose some of them next year so it’s going to be different, but I enjoyed that and we’re going to have to find new guys to fill those spots.

“It was a great experience, and hopefully we can get as far as we did this year, next year, if not farther. I’m going to be even hungrier next year. I already have a South Jersey championship, but I want to get that plus a state championship. That’s going to be the focus.”